Friday, November 8, 2024

Farmers report high numbers of dying, distressed native trees after record dry autumn

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In short:

A severe lack of rain in parts of SA, Victoria and Tasmania in the first half of 2024 leads to increased reports of dead and stressed native trees and bushes.

A botanist says this is becoming more common as these regions warm up and rain arrives later in the year.

What’s next?

Late winter and spring rain could see some trees and shrubs bounce back, but others may be too stressed and starved to recover.

As farmers report high numbers of dying and distressed native trees and shrubs, a botanist is warning of the potential for “devastating” losses.

A record dry autumn across southern parts of Australia saw parts of the country record record-low rainfall for the first half of 2024.

Andrew Smith hopes winter rain will result in enough growth to stop needing to feed his livestock hay.(ABC Rural: Kate Higgins)

Farmer Andrew Smith noticed dying trees and wattle bushes after the driest June-July on record at his 810-hectare sheep property at Laura in South Australia’s Mid North.

“We’re seeing a big thinning event of some of our native trees, particularly the blue gums and sugar gums on the tops of ridges,” Mr Smith, whose property borders a conservation park, said.

“A lot of the new ones which are only 10 years old [are dying] but also, we’re seeing trees that are 50 years plus dying because they haven’t seen this type of dry.

“The soil’s not that deep, there’s no water table to tap into and less than 200 millimetres of rain in 12 months is just not enough for them.”

Concerns for fire risk

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